Week 16 at New England Patriots
Since joining the Bills, Benjamin has only played in four games—recording 9 receptions. Health has been the major issue for him and he still has been limited in practice this week.
Even if he plays for the third straight game, he still hasn't shown to be a major offensive factor. He did not play in the first meeting with the Patriots, who are ranked 17th in aFPA to wide receivers. Benjamin is a non-fantasy factor for Week 16, so keep him on the bench.
Week 14 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Kelvin Benjamin has not played since November 19th, but he did participate fully in practice on Thursday so he will be back in the lineup on Sunday. There is little doubt he is the best wide receiver option on this team, but there are other issues at quarterback.
Backup Nathan Peterman is expected to start for an injured Tyrod Taylor and that does not fare well for the Bills passing game. Keep Benjamin on the bench as a non-factor against the Colts.
Week 11 at Los Angeles Chargers
The new wide receiver will get a new quarterback. Kelvin Benjamin saw his first action as a Bill last week and was targeted 6 times, which produced 3 receptions for 42 yards. Now, he will have rookie QB Nathan Peterman throwing to him. There is no doubt Buffalo wants Benjamin to be involved in the offense, but with all the new pieces to the puzzle, it might take some time.
The Bills face the Los Angeles Chargers, who are ranked 18th in aFPA to wide receivers. Benjamin will have a breakthrough game one of these weeks, but it's a question of when. Start Benjamin this week as a low-end WR3 or flex and hope that it all clicks for the Bills' passing game.
Week 10 vs. New Orleans Saints
Kelvin Benjamin will see his first action in a Bills uniform after sitting out last Thursday against the Jets. He will make an impact on the Buffalo offense, but how long will it take for him to get acclimated to his new surroundings?
The Saints are 10th in aFPA to wide receivers so the matchup isn't the best. Right now, there are too many question marks with how quickly Benjamin will be a factor. For Week 10, keep him on the bench.
Week 9 at New York Jets
Kelvin Benjamin is now Buffalo's No. 1 receiver after coming over in a trade from Carolina. The Bills were desperate to help QB Tyrod Taylor in the passing game and Benjamin fits the bill. In his first two seasons, Benjamin amassed 136 receptions for almost 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns. In 2017, he has caught 32 passes for 475 yards and 2 scores.
Buffalo visits the Jets this week, who are ranked 26th in aFPA to wide receivers. So, the matchup will be favorable for Benjamin in his Bills debut. However, working on a short week, Benjamin's impact might be limited Thursday because of the learning curve to absorb the Buffalo offense.
Because of the talent level and the good matchup, Benjamin should be in your lineup for Week 9, but only as a WR3 or flex option. That ranking will rise in future weeks.
Week 8 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kelvin Benjamin only had 3 catches last week against the Bears, but he managed to gain 65 yards and he now has 326 yards over his past four games. Benjamin only has 1 touchdown this season, but he continues to be the primary target for Cam Newton in the Carolina passing game and has WR2 potential each week.
The Bucs are giving up the most fantasy points to the WR position of any defense this year, and Benjamin should benefit from an excellent matchup. While the Panthers passing game has been inconsistent this season, it’s hard not to like Benjamin this week, and fantasy owners should use him as a solid WR2 option.
Week 7 at Chicago Bears
Kelvin Benjamin had 9 catches for 99 yards last week against the Eagles and looked more confident catching the ball than he has all season. After only 9 catches, 110 yards, and 0 touchdowns through his first three games, Benjamin has 17 catches, 216 yards, and 1 touchdown over his last three.
Benjamin faces the Bears this week. Be sure to check his status as he's missed some practices this week, but he should do well, as Chicago has given up 6 touchdown passes to opposing WRs so far this year. Benjamin should continue to eat up targets, giving him a fairly high floor for fantasy owners looking for limited risk. He should be a solid WR2 option in most leagues.
Week 6 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Kelvin Benjamin had 4 catches for 58 yards and a touchdown against the Lions last week, and he’s benefitted from the Panthers offense waking up over the past two weeks. Benjamin remains the top WR in the Carolina passing game—despite the recent production from Devin Funchess. He should continue to produce as long as Cam Newton plays well.
Benjamin faces an Eagles defense that held the Cardinals to seven points last week, but has given up 8 touchdown passes to opposing offenses this year. The game could end up being a shootout, which should allow Benjamin to wind up with solid WR2 numbers.
Week 5 at Detroit Lions
Kelvin Benjamin had only 4 catches against the Patriots last week, but he wound up with 104 yards, which was good to see as fantasy owners were getting restless with Benjamin’s disappointing season thus far. Benjamin has been in and out of the lineup during games due to random injuries, but he seems to come back each time.
This week, Benjamin will face a Lions pass defense that doesn’t give up a lot of points, but ranks 21st in passing yards allowed per game. Benjamin should continue to see heavy targets and be a borderline WR2 option.
Week 4 vs. New England Patriots
Kelvin Benjamin caught only 2 passes for 8 yards last week against the Saints and then left the game with a knee injury. He’s supposed to be good to go this week, but fantasy owners should watch the inactives report and have a backup plan in place.
Even if he’s active, Benjamin may be too risky coming off an injury and being a part of a wildly disappointing offense. He has some upside against the Patriots, who have allowed 8 touchdown passes through three games this year, but it’s hard to trust him as more than a low-end WR3 option.
